RIVER ISLANDS ACADEMIES Reopening Plan

River Islands Technology Academy and STEAM Academy

September 29, 2020 **Guidelines are subject to change based on Public Health Orders. **Guidelines are based on the California Department of Public Health, San Joaquin County Public Health, and San Joaquin Office of Education Guidelines.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction ..................................................................................... 3

Plan to Address COVID-19........................................................................................ 4

Cleaning and Disinfecting....................................................................................... 5

Physical Distancing and Campus Access............................................................................................... 7

Hygiene and Health Practices…....................................................................................... 10

Communication................................................................................ 15

Testing of Students and Staff………...................................................................................... 16

Staff Training and Family Education……….............................................................................. 16

Appendices………........................................................................... 18

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INTRODUCTION As a response to direction from the San Joaquin County Office of Education and Public Health, River Islands Academies started the 2020-2021 school year with a Distance Learning Model. A Plan for Change Document was shared with families outlining the Distance Learning Model. A successful six weeks of Distance Learning has been in place since August 12, 2020.

A Waiver from Public Health became available on August 28, 2020. Surveys from River Islands Academies provided input regarding interest to return to school for families and preferred models of staff. (Survey results provided in Appendices)

On August 28, 2020, the River Islands Academies Board discussed the option to move forward with applying for the Waiver to Reopen Schools. River Islands Academies Governing Board decided XXX

In collaboration with state and local agencies, River Islands Academies will adhere to conditions and requirements to open and remain open to in-person instruction, pending waiver approval. Additional conditions that must be in place will be monitored. State and local guidance documents are included in the Appendix.

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https://www.riacademies.net/PlanningforChange.aspxhttps://www.riacademies.net/PlanningforChange.aspx

PLAN TO ADDRESS COVID-19The health and safety of our staff and students remains River Islands Academies’ primary concern. This plan will guide us through Phase Two of the Reopening Process. All plans are subject to change as we continue to follow the guidelines of the CDE, SJCOE and Public Health.

The San Joaquin Office of Education has provided response scenario procedures in accordance with California Department of Public Health guidance on what measures should be taken when a student, teacher or staff member has symptoms of illness, has had close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19 or who has been diagnosed with COVID-19. San Joaquin County guidance will be implemented in the event a waiver is approved.

Visitors on Campus

RI Academies will not allow normal visitation to our campuses until further notice. Only staff will be allowed on a regular basis and according to their established work schedule. We will limit nonessential visitors, volunteers and activities involving groups at the same time as recommended by CDC and CDPH.

Members of the public are required to wear face coverings and observe all social distancing guidelines upon entering RI Academies campuses.

Travel Restrictions

RI Academies will discontinue student extracurricular travel until such time as the State of California and local health officials move on

the State Roadmap allowing leisure travel. Staff travel to conferences and workshops will need pre-approval by administration until further notice.

Guidance for Known Exposure

While we all hope to avoid exposure to illness from COVID-19, we need to be prepared for that possibility. If someone has been in contact with someone who has been exposed to the virus, the first concern is for the health and safety of those around them. In this rapidly changing situation, healthcare providers should have the most up-to-date information from the CDC.

Triggers for Switching to Distance Learning/Off-Campus Learning

Individual school closure is recommended based on the number of cases, the percentage of the teacher/ students/staff that are positive for COVID-19, and following consultation with the San Joaquin Public Health Officer.

Individual school closure may be appropriate when there are multiple cases in multiple cohorts at a school or when there are at least 5 percent of the total number of teachers/student/staff within a 14-day period.

The Local Health Officer may also determine school closure is warranted for other reasons, including results from public health investigation or other local epidemiological data.

RI Academies will close all schools if 25% or more of schools have closed due to COVID-19 within 14 days of each other, and in consultation with the local public health department.

If a partial, total school closure is warranted, families will be contacted via email and/ or phone and a swift transition to Phase 1: Off-Campus/Distance Learning will occur for the school(s) affected. The email and/or phone call will disclose as much information as

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possible relating to the events. RI Academies will maintain confidentiality as required under HIPAA and FERPA and state law related to privacy of educational records.

For further information, please visit California’s Guiding Document for the Safe Reopening of Schools.

CLEANING AND DISINFECTINGCampuses were thoroughly cleaned and disinfected prior to staff returning in July of 2020.

Employees are encouraged to disinfect their own workspace multiple times throughout the day, giving special attention to commonly touched surfaces. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers have been distributed throughout the workplace and in common areas. Cleaning sprays and/or wipes are also available to clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces such as telephones and keyboards. The custodial staff will clean all workspaces at their designated cleaning time.

Please note that proper equipment such as acceptable disinfectant and PPE should be used when cleaning individual workspaces.

Employees, in partnership with custodial, will maintain safety standards by continually cleaning and disinfecting as indicated below:

o Classroom and Offices - at minimum, the end of each day ofuse

o Charter Owned Appliances - (refrigerators, microwaves, coffeemachines) - Daily

▪ personal appliances not allowed on campuso Electronic Equipment - computers, telephones, keyboards -

employees should clean at end of each day or between use

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o General Use Objects - handles, light switches, sinks, restrooms,copy machines - Twice daily - once during the day and once inthe evening

o Common Areas - at the end of each day, between groups asdeemed essential

o Restrooms disinfected at least twice daily

Sanitizing spray/wipes will be placed next to each copy machine.

Staff will ensure that only EPA “N” Label-Approved Sanitizing Products are used and exclude sodium hypochlorite (bleach) based products as they can be asthma inducing.

RI Academies will replace/monitor air filters to ensure optimal air quality.

COVID-19 Response - Extensive cleaning is triggered when an active employee or student has been identified with a confirmed or assessed likely case of COVID-19. After a 24 hour vacancy (when possible) disinfecting of the area will begin as per public health guidelines. While the scope of disinfecting will be based on the circumstances surrounding the extent the individual has been in specific areas of campus, the area will be shut down until disinfection has been completed.

Physical Distancing and Campus Access Classrooms will consider the following strategies as thoughtful safeguards when in shared spaces.

Cohorting

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All teachers and students are asked not to visit another classroom outside of their team or grade level.

● Cohorts classes will minimize crossover among children and adults within the school

● Students should remain in the same space and in groups as small and consistent as practicable

● Teachers and aides will remain with the same students to the greatest extent possible

● Minimize the movement of students as much as practicable ● Maximize space between seating and desks ● Student desks should be placed 3-6 feet apart, when feasible ● Each child’s belongings separated in individually labeled storage

containers, cubbies or bags ● Ensure adequate supplies to minimize sharing of high-touch materials ● Middle School Teachers rotate instead of students, when feasible ● Serve meals (paper bag lunch) in classrooms or outdoors instead of

multipurpose room or cafe where practicable - students hand sanitize before and after eating lunch

● Hold recess in separated areas at staggered times ● Use of shared playground equipment limited or closed ● Outdoor activities requiring minimal contact will be encouraged ● Discontinue rallies, assemblies or other gatherings ● Discontinue sports and clubs that are not able to be held virtually ● Nonessential visitors, volunteers, and activities involving outside

individuals will not be permitted Entrance, Egress and Movement within the School

Designated routes for entry and exit have been determined using as many entrances as feasible, as well as other protocols which limit direct contact with others as much as practicable, e.g. parents remaining in their vehicles or at designated gate areas.

Minimize contact at schools between students, staff, families, and the community at the beginning and end of each school day.

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● Students are not permitted to gather outside of campus before gates are open

● Gates open at 8:00AM ● Staggered drop off and pick up times by grade level or by family last

name (8:00, 8:10, 8:20) ● School Starts at 8:30AM ● Students walk directly to their classrooms upon entry to school ● Teacher will have doors open at 8:00 AM to permit student entry ● Gates designated for entrance and exit (see map) ● Where both entrance and exit occurs, ground markings will direct

traffic directions ● Ground markings will direct traffic in main corridors ● Staff assigned to each entrance/exit to assist with social distancing ● Grade levels assigned to specific gates for dismissal ● Signage will be placed throughout the campus indicating traffic

direction, social distancing markings/footprints and graphics for healthy hygiene habits in easy-to-understand illustrations that empower students to be careful, cautious, and respectful to each other

● Limit number of students in the restroom at a time - designated spaces to stand and wait

● Campus Monitors to supervise hallways and restrooms ● Staggered dismissal times will be set by grade level

Physical Distancing

Physical distancing, sometimes referred to as social distancing, is an effective way to limit spread of contagion by simply keeping people separated. As noted in the guidance from the AAP, “There is a conflict between optimal academic and social/emotional learning in schools and strict adherence to current physical distancing guidelines.” The CDC recommends schools “space seating/desks at least 6 feet apart when feasible. In many school settings, 6 feet between students is not feasible without limiting the number of students.” When 6 feet of distance is not feasible, 3 feet and a mask is highly recommended.

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RI Academies employees, students and visitors should practice staying approximately 3-6 feet away from others and eliminating contact with others when feasible.

● Social distancing in the classrooms with students seated 3-6 feet apart from each other and teacher as practicable

● Staff, students and essential visitors should practice staying 3-6 feet away from each other

● Designated routes from entry and exit with as many entrances/exits as possible

● Signage to guide and remind of physical distancing and designated routes

● Floor markings to guide and support physical distancing ● Meetings, trainings and collaboration will be held virtually or where

social distancing can take place ● Regular safety drills will be conducted with staff only - student safety

training provided in classroom or virtually

Hygiene and Health Practices As required by California Department of Public Health, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the potential risk of exposure to our employees and students, employees are required to complete a daily self-screening survey before reporting to campus. The survey is fully online and asks questions related to COVID-19 exposure, signs, and symptoms. Based on the employee’s survey results, he/she will either be directed by the School Nurse to remain home or be approved to come to campus. If the results direct an employee to remain home, he/she will be asked to complete a contact tracing survey to help identify close contacts and recently visited locations.

Students are asked to self-screen before arriving to school each day. A Screening Tool will be provided to families as a guide for self assessment. In addition, students will receive a temperature reading

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upon campus/classroom entry by their teacher or designee using a touchless thermometer.

Each preventative measure taken helps to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our schools and community.

Health Screenings for Students and Staff ● Staff Daily Symptom Check Submitted to School Nurse ● Families are to self-screen students daily prior to sending their child to

school each day. Self Screening Tool provided for self assessment ● Anyone with a fever of 100.4 or higher must not go to a school site ● Students are not to be at school if they show any symptoms of illness

and they must be symptom free for 48 hours before returning to school

● Students who have been in contact with a person with COVID-19 are to stay home

● Students will receive a temperature reading upon classroom entry by their teacher or designee using a touchless thermometer

● Temperature checks may be repeated throughout the day ● Students with a temperature of 100.4 or higher will be directed to the

office where temperature will be retaken. Parents will be contacted to pick up their child if confirmed to be 100.4 or higher and provided direction for when their child may return to school.

● School Nurse will follow up with students with reported symptoms ● Health Protocols

o If a student becomes ill at school, ▪ They will report to the designated isolation room

and provided a mask and gloves, as appropriate ▪ Family will be contacted to pick up the child ▪ The school nurse will be contacted and will refer

to Screening Protocols (attached) ▪ The contaminated area will sit idle for 24 hours

and then disinfected, when feasible o If an employee is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and/or

may have had contact with a person with COVID-19:

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▪ Quarantine in a room away from others ▪ Call their health care provider and follow their

instructions ▪ Contact school administration

o US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission o If an employee becomes ill at work or if another person is

exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 at work, they may be asked to leave work and go home or to the nearest health center.

o Employees returning to work from an approved medical leave should contact Administration. They may be asked to submit a healthcare provider’s note before returning to work.

o If diagnosed with COVID-19, employee may return to work when all criteria are met: At least 1 day (24 hours) have passed since recovery (no fever without the use of fever-reducing medications); and have improved in respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, etc.); and At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first occurred. Or, if asymptomatic, 10 days since positive test result. If tested again, may return to campus or be around others when no symptoms are present and have tested negative on two consecutive respiratory specimens collected at least 24 hours apart.

o If symptoms that could be COVID-19 and do not get evaluated by a medical professional or tested for COVID-19, it is assumed that they have COVID-19 and may not return to work until the above criteria listed above have been met.

Reported Case of COVID-19 within Schools/Offices

If a confirmed case of COVID-19 has been reported from an individual within a school, administration must be notified immediately. Administration and the School Nurse will work to identify any close contacts (any individual within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes) of the confirmed/likely case and assess

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the risk of exposure. A notice will be sent via email and/or phone informing close contacts of the known exposure. The notice will disclose as much information as possible relating to the best indicated date and location of exposure. RI Academies will maintain confidentiality as required under HIPAA and FERPA and state law related to privacy of educational records.

Close contacts of the confirmed individual will be instructed to home quarantine for 14 days post exposure, per the SJCPHS Home Quarantine Instructions for Close Contacts to COVID-19.

If someone has symptoms or a fever, they should contact their primary care physician and School Administration. If they are diagnosed with or likely to have COVID-19 they must continue isolating at home.

As per Public Health Emergency Quarantine Order Dated July 1, 2020 under the Authority of the California Health and Safety Code Sections 101040, 101085, and 120175, the San Joaquin County Public Health Officer orders: All Household members, intimate partners, caregivers of a person with COVID-19, and individuals who have had close contact to a person with COVID-19 must quarantine themselves.

If there is an identified cluster, three or more individuals from different households, RI Academies will notify San Joaquin County Health Services as advised.

Healthy Hygiene Practices ● Multiple hand-sanitizing stations and/or portable handwashing

stations will be placed around campus ● Hand sanitizer or access to a sink with water and soap and sanitizing

spray will be provided to each teacher. Hand soap will be provided to classrooms that have sinks.

● Staff will continue to teach students appropriate hygiene, including coughing and sneezing inside the elbow or a tissue.

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● Students and staff should wash their hands before sharing equipment and also after eating, coughing, sneezing, or using the restroom

● Drinking fountains will be closed or turned into water filling stations ● Signage throughout campus will indicate foot traffic, social distancing

and easy to understand illustrations that empower students to be careful, cautious and respectful to one another.

● Office spaces will have plastic screening as a safety precaution at reception windows and countertops to protect both the employee and campus visitor

● Signage will be posted to limit staff foot traffic in the office areas and to prevent congregating in shared staff areas

● Interior doors in office areas will remain propped open to decrease the use of handles by multiple parties

● Signs posted on door of workroom and staff lounge with reminders to social distance

● Temperature measuring devices will be available in every classroom ● Students will be required to sanitize their hands or wash their hands

with soap and water upon entering the classroom ● Students encouraged to bring a refillable water bottle to school ● Additional mini disposable water bottles provided to each classroom

as needed ● Students are encouraged to keep their personal property to themselves,

not to share personal items and to keep non-school related items at home

● Portable plexiglass dividers provided to each classroom for one-on-one assessment or support

Face Coverings for Staff ● Staff required to wear face covering when:

o Interacting in-person with any member of the public o Working in a space visited by the public, regardless whether

anyone from the public is present at the time o Working in a space where food is prepared or packaged to

distribute to others o Working in or walking through common areas

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o In a room or enclosed area where other people are present when unable to social distance

o While outdoors in public spaces when maintaining a physical distance of 6 feet from others is not feasible

● RI Academies will provide face masks as needed. ● Having certain medical conditions accompanied by a doctor’s note

and other circumstances may exempt individuals from wearing a face covering. Other mitigated measures may be necessary for employees unable to wear a mask.

Face Coverings for Students ● Students 3rd grade and above are required to wear a face covering ● TK-2nd grade students are strongly encouraged to wear a face

covering. A face shield is an acceptable alternative for children in this age group who cannot wear masks properly

● RI Academies will provide face coverings as needed. ● Face coverings or face shields should be removed for eating and

drinking ● In order to comply with Public Health Guidance, school will exclude

students from campus if they are not exempt from wearing a face covering and refuse to wear one provided by the school

Gloves (allowed but not required or provided)

● Touching your face with contaminated hands, whether gloved or not, poses a significant risk of infection

● Wearing gloves does not diminish the need to wash your hands ● Please remember to wash your hands properly as it is the

number-one defense against any virus ● The proper removal of gloves reduces the risk of being exposed

to contamination ● Please note that social distancing should still be practiced even

with the use of gloves and masks ● Training will be provided to staff and students in proper care

and use of all PPE

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Communication RI Academies will continuously communicate and encourage proper safety practices. Multiple methods of communication will be utilized including signage on campus, email, app notifications and website. Automated phone calls will be used for urgent matters only.

If a staff member or student should become infected with COVID-19, communication may vary depending on the specific circumstances of a case in the school or community.

Identification and Tracing of Contacts

Documentation/tracking incidents of possible exposure will be ongoing. Notification will be made to local health officials if affected staff, student and/or immediate family members (or same household) of any positive case of COVID-19 while maintaining confidentiality, as required under FERPA.

The School Nurse is designated to keep in close contact with the San Joaquin County Office of Education Director of Comprehensive Health Services. The School Nurse will create and monitor confidential lists of exposed students and staff.

Testing of Students and Staff The availability and validity of rapidly testing asymptomatic individuals is in question by CDPH. San Joaquin County Public Health Services has committed to assisting schools in the event of an outbreak for a single school site. An outbreak is three or more positive cases from unique households.

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Testing locations vary by city, however a current site available in Manteca is Modern Urgent Care for rapid testing. They are located at 1630 W Yosemite Avenue Suite 1, Manteca, CA 95337 and can be contacted at (209) 629-8771. Additionally, your health care provider may issue orders for antigen or PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing.

Staff Training and Family Education Staff will be trained utilizing virtual training through Keenan modules and meetings including health and safety actions such as:

● Enhanced sanitation practices ● Physical distancing and its importance ● Proper use of face coverings, removal and washing of cloth face

coverings ● Screening practices ● COVID-19 specific symptom identification

The School Nurse will provide training and education for staff during Professional Development, as needed.

Educational information will be provided to families from the School Nurse in the monthly newsletter, as appropriate.

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Appendices Staff and Community Input Regarding Reopening Schools

September 27, 2020

RiTechA Families Survey 9.27.20

STEAM Families 9.27.20

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River Islands Academies Staff Survey 9.27.20

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River Islands Academies Phased Reopening OPTION #1

Phase #1 - Full Distance Learning Model

Phase #2 - Return to Site-Based Program

w/thoughtful safeguards to minimize risk

Phase #3 - All Students Return to Site-Based Program with Full Schedule

w/thoughtful safeguards to minimize risk

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

9:00 - 12:00 Live Instruction (varied schedule by grade level)

1:00 - 3:00

Live Instruction

Small Groups

Intervention

Enrichment

SPED

Office Hours

Wednesday

9:00-12:00 Live Instruction

(varied schedule by grade level)

1:15-4:00 Professional Development

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

8:30 - 2:00 - Students On Site

**2:30 - 3:30 - Small Group Support Online

Wednesdays

8:30 - 12:00 - Students On Site

1:00 - 4:00 - Professional Development

Distance Learning Model offered for students who opt to Stay Home

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

All Students On Site Full Day - schedule to be determined

Wednesdays

All Students on Site Minimum Day - schedule to be determined

1:00 - 4:00 - Professional Development

No Distance Learning Option Offered

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River Islands Academies Reopening Guidance and Resources

California Department of Public Health Schools Guidance FAQs

Stronger Together: A Guidebook for the Safe Reopening of California's Public Schools

COVID-19 and Reopening In-Person Learning Framework for K-12 Schools in California, 2020-2021 School Year

COVID-19 Industry Guidance: Schools and

School-Based

San Joaquin County Public Health

San Joaquin County Office of Education - A Guide to

Address the Challenges of COVID-19

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https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/hn/sandtappendices.asp#chttps://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/hn/strongertogether.asphttps://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/hn/strongertogether.asphttps://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20Document%20Library/COVID-19/Schools%20Reopening%20Recommendations.pdfhttps://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20Document%20Library/COVID-19/Schools%20Reopening%20Recommendations.pdfhttps://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-schools.pdfhttps://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-schools.pdfhttp://www.sjcphs.org/https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ojGkdhqnNGV2a9pjsgRAfIlN0L5JWp3Q/viewhttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1ojGkdhqnNGV2a9pjsgRAfIlN0L5JWp3Q/view